[pennst8]

Hey All, does anyone know if a 3 on the tree manual transmission on a 1966 Impala be changed to a 200-4R automatic transmission? The two issues I can think of off the top of my head is the column and shifter and also the hump. Thank you in advance!

 

[65_&_67_Impala]

generally speaking, I don't see why not. the 200-4r is a standard SBC transmission, but you'll probably need to change your driveshaft length and transmission crossmember mount

 

[62BillT]

For a factory original look, you would need to change your Steering Column.

 

[pennst8]

generally speaking, I don't see why not. the 200-4r is a standard SBC transmission, but you'll probably need to change your driveshaft length and transmission crossmember mount

Thank you, I had read that the drive shaft length is the same for a 200-4R but the cross member does need to be moved back 4 inches. I guess if the hump is the same for an automatic and a manual, it should be good.

 

[pennst8]

For a factory original look, you would need to change your Steering Column.

Thank you. I will have to look for one then.

 

[65_&_67_Impala]

 

[wahelton]

excellent chart with the lengths of transmissions. As you see depending on your powerglide the 200 may be interchangeable. But if it is not swapable it has been done so many times that it is not a big deal. Mounts are available and any driveline shop can cut your driveline. As far as the steering column you can keep yours. Sleeves with the automatic linkage are available for you to reassemble the column. Now what I can't remember is if the 200 is electrically shifted instead of vacuum. That will take more engineering but there are kits for the change also. Someone else needs to answer. Last the 200 is excellent because it is an overdrive transmission. But if your Impala was a grocery getter with a 3.08 rear the transmission will shift too often or not at all.
Then you need a column indicator to know what gear you are in. Or i know guys who drive around with the column set to low and that is automatic without overdrive and shift to D when they want overdrive.

 

[pennst8]

excellent chart with the lengths of transmissions. As you see depending on your powerglide the 200 may be interchangeable. But if it is not swapable it has been done so many times that it is not a big deal. Mounts are available and any driveline shop can cut your driveline. As far as the steering column you can keep yours. Sleeves with the automatic linkage are available for you to reassemble the column. Now what I can't remember is if the 200 is electrically shifted instead of vacuum. That will take more engineering but there are kits for the change also. Someone else needs to answer. Last the 200 is excellent because it is an overdrive transmission. But if your Impala was a grocery getter with a 3.08 rear the transmission will shift too often or not at all.
Then you need a column indicator to know what gear you are in. Or i know guys who drive around with the column set to low and that is automatic without overdrive and shift to D when they want overdrive.

Thanks for that explanation. I will look for those kits. I am glad to hear that you believe the transmission is excellent; I have heard positive and negative but mostly positive.